A possible case of foot-and-mouth disease is currently being investigated in the Western Cape.
By Alani Janeke, Senior Journalist at African Farming and Landbouweekblad
A state veterinarian was called to a farm in the Gouda district on Tuesday (4 November) to take blood samples from cattle that may have the virus, says Fanie Ferreira, CEO of the Milk Producers’ Organisation (MPO).
Ferreira says although this case does not occur on a dairy farm, the organisation has warned its members in the area to apply strict biosecurity to protect their farms while the test results are awaited. He suspects the results will be made available quickly.
Should this case be positive, it would be the first confirmed case in the province’s recent history.
African Farming is awaiting feedback from the Western Cape Department of Agriculture on the situation. As soon as it is received, it will be updated.
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